Parents clutching their children ran away from the iconic Obelisk monument in Buenos Aires where tens of thousands of people had gathered, as rowdy rock-hurling youths taunted police officers and tried to kick down the metal grills on some shop fronts.

At least 15 police officers were wounded and more than 50 people detained in the unrest that followed Argentina's defeat, local media reported.

Germany forward Mario Goetze's volley in extra-time stunned local fans into silence and after the final minutes ticked down, millions of disconsolate Argentines were left to contemplate a defeat that deprived them of a first World Cup win since 1986.

"It's another slap in the face. There is no more joy, but we came out second and were not shamed in Brazil," said 40-year-old Eduardo Manfredi.

The hopes of 40 million people had been heaped on the shoulders of the national side - in particular Lionel Messi, who picked up the "Golden Ball" as top player of the tournament, and in-form goal keeper Sergio Romero.

Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano said he shared the nation's pain.

"We are gutted," he said. "We gave what we could and we are sorry for the people who came and for the people in Argentina."

Germans celebrate first World Cup win in 24 years

In contrast jubilation filled the streets of Germany as its people celebrated by lighting fireworks, embracing strangers, honking car horns and revelling in their first World Cup win in 24 years.

"1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 - we fought hard for our fourth win and it was totally deserved. Congratulations," tweeted Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert, referring to Germany's four World Cup titles. He had travelled with the chancellor to Rio de Janeiro for the final.

Crowds whooped with delight as they watched Merkel, nicknamed "Mutti" or "mummy" in Germany, embrace each German player after the match.

Football and the success of the national team since the World Cup Germany hosted in 2006, is credited with allowing Germans to take pride in their nation and wave flags and paint their faces with unprecedented ease.

Previously Germans had been highly uncomfortable at any display of nationalism because of the country's history.

"It was an anxious game. I was trembling and shaking," German President Joachim Gauck, who had also travelled to Rio, told German television.

"But now I'm thrilled," he added.

Brazilians celebrate Argentine loss

The host nation Brazil was celebrating that rivals Argentina would not be lifting sport's most prized trophy.

Usually winning is everything, but on this occasion watching your neighbours lose was almost as good.

This was all the stranger given Germany had crushed the Brazilian dream of winning on home soil just days earlier in a 7-1 drubbing that spun South America's largest nation into a melancholy of soul searching.

But the rivalry with Argentina runs deeper.

"Germany have brought great happiness to the Brazilian people," said Pedro Cozzolimo, 27, a lawyer from Rio de Janeiro.

He was dressed in the black and red kit Germany wore in the semi-final against Brazil. "Thank you Germany," he shouted.

About 100,000 Argentines had arrived in Rio for the final, many driving the thousand-odd miles without a ticket or a place to stay and making camp on Copacabana beach.

Brazilians, already knocked out, found it hard to stomach the invasion of bragging Argentine fans.

Argentina's confidence off the pitch, however, was matched by Germany's skill and composure on it. For many it will be a long drive back to Buenos Aires.